"Hey, Count Bleck, can I ask you something?" Mimi asked as she opened the door.

After yesterday's incident with Dimentio, Count Bleck said he would like to train everyone individually. He decided to start with Mimi, as he told her to meet him in the training room at noon.

Count Bleck turned to her as he finished cleaning his staff.

"Sure, what is it?"

"Well...I was wondering when we could have the day off? You know, just time to hang out or even go to other dimensions."

Count Bleck raised an eyebrow.

"Count Bleck isn't sure, as he wants to get you three ready to fight the hero as soon as possible. Is there something you need to do right away?"

"Well...I was just looking forward for us to just hang out, have some fun. That...I also need to help a friend out, which requires me to go to my home..."

Count Bleck smiled a bit.

"Let Count Bleck guess, you want to go out with Dimentio?"

Mimi's eyes widened. Count Bleck chuckled.

"Don't you think I didn't over hear you two. I can see it in your eyes, you want to close to him. I know that look...a little too well."

Count Bleck's eyes started to go distance, lost in thought. Mimi gave a puzzled look.

"...Are you okay, count?"

Count Bleck shook his head, coming back to reality.

"Anyway," he said like nothing happened, "we'll see. It depends on how well training goes. I'll let you guys know when you can have a day off. How does that sound?"

Mimi smiled and nodded.

"That's sounds great! Thank you, count."

Count Bleck smiled. "

I'm glad to help, but Count Bleck needs you to focus. The sooner you want your day off, the more effort you have to put into training."

Mimi narrowed her eyes competitively as she shaped shifted and began her day's training.

After a whole week of intense training, Mimi felt like her arms and legs were going to fall off as she slowly got out of bed. She had been working hard to get that day off for her and Dimentio, but it was killing her to do it. She wasn't the only one who felt like that.

O'Chunks looked worse every single night, having new injuries almost every day. She didn't know what kind of training he and Count Bleck where doing, but it must be intense. She never questioned it, thinking that it wasn't her business. But it did concerned her. Dimentio didn't look as exhausted as Mimi and O'Chunks, but he had been acting a bit sluggish.

Mimi sighed heavily as she slowly walked to the dining room for breakfast. A good meal would be nice right now. When she got there, everyone was already eating. Except for Dimentio, who's seat was empty.

"Where's Dimentio?" Mimi asked as she sat down at her usual place.

"He requested to have his breakfast early so he could start training early," Nastasia explained.

Mimi gasped.

"People get up earlier then seven?"

"I get up at five every day, and Count Bleck gets up even earlier than that."

Mimi's eye twitched. Nastasia sighed.

"Yeah, some of us have work to do, you know? We don't have time for luxury and relaxation."

"Oh really?" Mimi questioned slightly offended. "What do you do that is so important?"

Nastasia narrowed her eyes.

"You better keep your mouth shut or you will regret it dearly. I can make your life here a living hell if I wanted to. So, let's just keep quiet and get a long smoothly, k?"

Mimi rolled her eyes but said nothing else.

"You seem tense, Mimi," Count Bleck commented, trying to lighten the mood. "Are you feeling alright?"

"...I don't know, I guess I'm just tired," Mimi answered with a sigh.

Count Bleck nodded, his gaze moving from Mimi, to O'Chunks, to Nastasia.

"Count Bleck can see that you are all very tired. You've all worked extremely hard this past week. So, as a reward for your hard work, I'll give all four of you a day off."

Mimi and O'Chunks's eyes light up.

"Really? Thank you count!" Mimi exclaimed happily.

Count Bleck smiled. "You're welcome."

"Okay, your first day off."

Nastasia took out her clipboard that she sat on the table.

"K, just because you have a day off doesn't mean you can do whatever you want. There are rules. You are able to leave this dimension and go to others, just be sure you get here by seven so you will be home in time for dinner. If you plan to stay in the castle, you can do what you want as long as you are quiet. The count and I still have work to do, so we need a quiet atmosphere."

"You mean what Count Bleck has to do."

Nastasia turned to the count, confusion in her gaze.

"I said that the four of you have the day off," he explained. "You've been looking stressful as well, Nastasia. You need a break as much as them."

"But, I can't let you continue to work without me aiding you!" Nastasia cried. "It wouldn't be fair. And if I do take the day off, I'll just have more work to do tomorrow!"

Count Bleck gave a gentle smile, which made Nastasia stop talking.

"Don't worry about it, everything will be fine. Now, go take a vacation or Count Bleck will force you to."

Nastasia stared at the count, a reluctant look in her dark eyes. She then let out a heavy sigh and teleported away, taking her clipboard with her.

Count Bleck chuckled a bit.

"Most people have a hard time getting their employers to work while I have a hard time getting mine to take a break."

His gaze turned serious.

"Though, while you take your vacation, Count Bleck asks you to do something for him. Keep an eye on Nastasia to make sure that she is relaxing and not working. She may deny it, but she really needs a day off. If you two can do it, much will be appreciated."

"No problem, count," O'Chunks said. "Maybe I'll take her somewhere or something."

Count Bleck nodded.

"If you could convince her to leave the castle for a few hours, that would be great."

O'Chunks smiled and, while shoving a large piece of toast in his mouth, left to go find Nastasia. Mimi then got up herself.

"Why don't you take a break like the rest of us?" she asked suddenly. "You look tired as well."

Count Bleck chuckled softly.

"Indeed I am, but Count Bleck can't afford a whole day off. Don't worry, Count Bleck will be taking it easy, I just need to get a few things done first."

Mimi nodded.

"If you say so. Well, see you around."

She then left the dining room and skipped to the training room, knowing that Dimentio would probably be there. When she arrived, she opened the door to see Dimentio flying across the room.

Swords and hammers were chasing him, each one gaining speed. Dimentio threw electric spheres at them, sometimes teleporting behind them and attacking from behind. But the weapons would quickly turn around and the chase would start all over again. Mimi watched in silence, amazed how fast Dimentio was. After a few minutes of constant chasing, Dimentio vanished into thin air.

Mimi gasped.

The killer weapons were confused too, as they all came together, searching for the jester. Suddenly, a glass box surrounded them. Explosions blew inside, burning and destroying the weapons. The glass box disappeared as quickly it appeared, the weapons vaporized into dust.

Dimentio reappeared, knees on the ground and panting heavily. He acted extremely exhausted, almost looking like he was about to pass out. Dimentio stood up, his legs shaking. He snapped his fingers and another army of hammers and swords appeared.

Mimi slowly walked up to him.

"Hey, Dimentio. How's it going?"

Dimentio tensed up, now noticing Mimi was there. He gave a tired smile.

"...Hello, Mimi. Did you come here to train?"

"No, we don't have to train today, the count gave us the day off."

Dimentio smile grew.

"Perfect. So that means we can go get the potion today?"

"Well, I can get my sister to place an order for us," Mimi explained. "I didn't place an order for it yet since I didn't know when we could get it."

"Ah, I see. We should go as soon as possible, shouldn't we?"

Dimentio snapped his fingers to make the weapons disappeared. As he did, Mimi noticed that there were a few cuts on his arm. She gave him a concerned look.

"How long have you've been training?"

"Well, I woke up around two in the morning and I couldn't go back to sleep, so I came up here to train," Dimentio explained. "I did a few basic exercises, then took a break for breakfast, after that, I went back to training again."

"When did you have breakfast?"

"I don't know, I wasn't looking at the clock."

Dimentio blinked.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

Mimi studied him.

"...Are you sure you want to get the potion today? I mean, we can get it another time if you're tired."

"Oh, I'm anything but tired!" Dimentio replied. "I'm full of energy, actually. Just let me change and take a quick shower and I'll be already to go."

Mimi gave him an unconvinced look.

"Right."

She sighed.

"If you really want this potion today, I'll help you get it. But you can't take it right away. You need to store all of your energy if you have any chance of it working."

"Alright, I'll do that," Dimentio said cutting Mimi off from talking. "Just don't worry about me. I..."

He stopped in mid sentence.

Dimentio put his hand on his head, swaying a little. He was about to collapse until Mimi caught him. Dimentio quickly regain his balance and tired to stand up on his own, but his legs wouldn't support his own weight. He leaned on Mimi for support.

He chuckled softly.

"...I guess I'm more out of practice then I thought," he said amusement in his voice. "Usually an exercise like that doesn't wear me out."

Mimi's eyes widened.

"You train in more intense combat than that?"

"Of course, how else can I get stronger? To test one's limit, it is the only way to get powerful. For only the strong can survive."

Dimentio smiled.

"Now, if you would excuse me, I will go get ready. The sooner we get the potion, the better."

He tried to step away from Mimi, but she wouldn't let him go.

"Like hell I'm letting you go on your own," Mimi said firmly. "Just put all of your weight on me and let me take you to your room."

"That's a kind deed, but I don't need any help."

"Okay then."

Mimi let go of him but the moment she stepped away, Dimentio began to lose his balance. Mimi held him up again.

"Yep, totally capable of moving on your own. Now, your room is on the same floor as mine, correct?"

Dimentio sighed heavily, knowing he didn't have a choice.

"Yes, it's the second room on your right."

Mimi looked down at her reflection in the garden fountain, making one last check on her hair and makeup.

After she brought Dimentio to his room, he told her that he would be ready to go in two hours. Mimi refused at first, seeing that Dimentio needed as much rest as possible. But Dimentio kept pushing the subject, even bribing her a bit. With little choice, and the fact she couldn't resist his pleading eyes, Mimi decided to take him just as long he didn't push himself.

As Mimi waited, she kept wondering why Dimentio wanted the potion so badly. Yes, he wanted to get more powerful, but it almost seems like he obsessing over it.

Why does he want to shape shift so badly? Is there a reason for it? Does it has something to do with his past?

More and more questions appeared in her head, making Mimi's frustration and curiosity grow.

"Ciao, my friend."

Mimi turned to see Dimentio approaching her. To her relief, he did look and sounded better.

Dimentio smiled at her.

"Cute dress, it looks good on you."

Mimi blushed, smoothing out her dark blue skirt.

"Thanks, its brand new. I bought it the day before I came here, though I haven't had a chance to wear it. Didn't want to get it dirty with all the combat training."

Dimentio nodded.

"Sounds reasonable. So, are you ready to go?"

"I am," Mimi replied. "I guess we have to find the door to my dimension first."

"Not entirely."

Dimentio stepped closer to her, offering his hand.

"I can transport both of us there. Just tell me where to go."

"O-okay."

Trying to calm herself down, she took his hand. She told him where to go and Dimentio snapped his fingers, teleporting to Mimi's house. It was a large, three story white house with a beautiful garden surrounding it. The flowers and grass were brightly colored and shaped in squares. Behind the house was a cliff that looked out at the ocean.

Dimentio smiled at the scenery. "Beautiful, like a painting in an art museum."

Mimi giggled.

"You like it? My father remodeled the house and garden not too long ago. Let's see..."

Mimi got out her cell phone and dialed a number. She waited a couple of moments until she said, "Hey Audrey, it's me. My friend and I just arrived. Have you got the potion ordered?"

"I've just placed it," Mimi's sister said. "However, it will be awhile before it is ready."

She paused.

"Why do you need this again?"

"My friend wants to be a shape shifter," Mimi answered sincerely. "He's a magician. He just wants to advance his abilities, that's all."

"And you met him at Castle Bleck?"

"Yep, I work with him."

There was another pause.

"Before you do anything, I would like to meet this friend of yours," Audrey requested though it sounded more like an order. "You know, just to make sure he's good for you."

Mimi's face turned red.

"Audrey! It's not like that!"

Audrey laughed.

"Whatever, just bring him over. I'll unlock the front door for you."

"Alright, we will be there in less than three seconds."

"Kay. See you soon sis."

Mimi hung up and put her cell phone in her pocket.

"My sister placed an order for the potion, but it will be awhile before it is ready," she explained. "And...my sister wants to meet you, if you don't mind."

"Not at all," Dimentio replied. "I'm curious to see what your family is like."

Mimi smiled in reply.

They then walked up to the front door. At the same time, Mimi's older sister was there. She looked like an older and taller version of Mimi, though her hair was a lot longer. She wore a short black dress and lots of golden jewelry. Mimi smirked.

"What's with the fancy get up? Trying to impress someone?"

Audrey rolled her green eyes.

"I have date tonight and I was just getting an outfit together. But anyway..."

She turned to Dimentio.

"Is this your friend?"

"Yes. Audrey, this is Dimentio. Dimentio, this is my older sister, Audrey."

Dimentio smiled. "Pleasure to meet you."

Audrey smiled back. "Aw, charmer I see. Well, come on in."

She stepped back letting Mimi and Dimentio enter. They walked down a long hallway and went to the first room on their left. It was a large living room, full of square green furniture and a pure white wall. Mimi and Dimentio sat on the couch and Audrey sat in the chair across from them.

"So, Dimentio," Audrey said a little curiosity in her voice. "What's your story, how long have you known Mimi?"

"For about a week," Dimentio answered coolly. "I'm not really from a specific place. I'm a traveler, sort of speak."

"Traveler of dimensions? Mimi mentioned something about that."

"Yes. I've never belonged in a certain world. So, I go around from place to place, like the wind taking fallen leaves across the sea."

"Are you a poet as well?"

"If you consider that poetic, then might be."

Audrey nodded her head slowly.

"I see. Well, I guess you two work hard at Castle Bleck. Mimi sounded exhausted when she called those couple of times."

"Tiring, yes, but it's worth it in the end. Hard work is always rewarded well, I say."

"What do you guys do?"

"That's...classified," Mimi said. "We can't say much about it. But it will be worth it in the end, as Count Bleck has offered us a great award when we are done."

Audrey raised an eyebrow.

"You're not getting paid for working for him?"

"Let's just say we will get a huge payment once our work is completed," Dimentio explained. "It's like instead of a small payment each week, we get one big one in the end."

Audrey didn't look convinced, but she didn't push the subject. She instead said, "Well, I guess I won't keep you two any longer. The potion should be ready for pick up in an hour or two. I'll call you guys when it is ready. In the meantime, have fun in town."

Mimi nodded. "We will. Come on, Dimentio."

She and Dimentio were about to leave when Audrey said, "Though, I would like a quick word with you, Mimi."

Mimi let out a sigh.

"Sure, Audrey."

She turned to Dimentio.

"Wait outside. I shouldn't be long."

Dimentio nodded in reply and walked himself out. When he was gone, Mimi leaned against the wall and asked, "So, what did you think?"

"I admit, I had my doubts, but he seems like an okay guy."

Audrey gave a mischievous look.

"He's not that bad looking as well. Really mysterious with that mask and with that poetic voice and mind. Yep, he would make a great boyfriend."

"Audrey!"

Audrey laughed.

"See you later, sis. Tell me how your date goes later!"

Mimi groaned as she walked out while her sister continued to laugh.

When she was outside, she saw Dimentio looking up at the clouds. His eyes seemed distant, apparently having a lot on his mind. Mimi walked up to him.

"You okay?"

Dimentio blinked a couple of times and looked down at her. He stared into her eyes for a bit before he said, "Sorry, just got lost in thought. So, where do you want to do for an hour?"

Mimi smiled brightly, thinking of all the great place to do in town.

They needed to go some place close by, some place fun and even romantic.

"I think I know the perfect place," Mimi finally said, as she pictured the place in her mind. "There is a mall downtown that has lots of shops and places to see. I'm sure we can find something there."

"If that's where you want to go," Dimentio said as he took her hand. "You know this dimension better than I do."

Mimi giggled as she told Dimentio the address and teleported away.